Collings Guitars ...

this is a discussion within the Music Community Forum; Close to perfect: Collings Guitars makes some of the most coveted musical instruments in the world
He was supposed to go to medical school. He was supposed to go to California. But Bill Collings only got as far as Austin, ...

He was supposed to go to medical school. He was supposed to go to California. But Bill Collings only got as far as Austin, and what he does, with roughly 70 highly skilled employees in a shop past the Y in Oak Hill, is build guitars. Really, really great guitars. You don't need to ask him how great they are; he'll tell you: "There's no better guitar made."

The Michigan native is not the only one who feels that way. Order a Collings and you'll pay anywhere from $3,500 to $6,000 or more, a lot more for super-custom models — and, with the current load of orders, you could be waiting months. Acoustic guitars are currently back-ordered until October, electrics until July. The company this year is on track to build roughly 1,400 acoustics, 900 electrics, 500 mandolins and 350 ukuleles. Acoustics take about three months from the time workers make a card detailing the guitar's specifications and custom features to the time it heads to one of Collings' networks of dealers, including Hill Country Guitars in Wimberley.

"The quality is beyond all that I know of," says that shop's co-owner, Dwain Cornelius. "They're powerful, powerful guitars. Their projection is just unreal."

And like every fine instrument, their character and tone develop over time.

"It's a guitar made to grow," says Collings. "You have to play it out."

"Even their cheapest thing is heads, hands and feet above anything else," Volkaert says. "It's world-class, kick-ass , does exactly what it's supposed to — or more. The Collings guys are trying to make a better wheel. I'm sure it costs them more money, but I kind of think they don't care."

Here are some of my Grandmothers..its a 68 Yamaha ..solid spruce top and mohagany back...has the wear where it rested on her leg..the one guitar i will never part with....watching her play it is what inspired me to play..